A.R.I.P.I. — Assistance and Resources for Inclusion and Individual Progress

Description

In rural areas, where educational resources are often limited, the A.R.I.P.I. project lays the foundation for the first Inclusive Education Resource Center (CREI) in a kindergarten in Cahul district.

Following a thorough assessment of the institution’s capacities, the space is reconfigured and equipped with ergonomic furniture, IT equipment, and didactic and sensory materials, so that every activity meets the needs of children with special educational needs (SEN). The project goes further by training teaching staff, engaging in sustained dialogue with local authorities to create and fill the position of a psychopedagogue, and launching a broad advocacy campaign to foster inclusive values.

In this way, children receive a safe and stimulating environment, and the community learns to fully embrace equity and respect.

Objectives
Establish and operationalize an Inclusive Education Resource Center (CREI) within the “Clopoțelul” Kindergarten in Crihana Veche, designed to support children with special educational needs (SEN) in a safe, adapted, and inclusive environment.
Equip the CREI with ergonomic furniture, IT equipment (laptop, projector, speakers), and didactic, sensory, and visual materials essential for delivering personalized and effective educational activities.
Enhance the skills of teachers and support staff through training sessions on inclusive education, adapted teaching methods, and effective communication with parents of children with SEN.
Promote inclusive values within the community through awareness campaigns, symbolic actions, and public events that encourage acceptance and support for children with special needs.
Carry out local advocacy activities to uphold the right to inclusive education and mobilize the community around the cause of children with SEN.
Initiate dialogue and collaboration with the local public administration (LPA) to create a psychopedagogue position that will provide ongoing specialized support within the institution and ensure the sustainability of inclusive services.
Methodology
The project is structured in seven successive stages, combining institutional assessment, infrastructure setup, specialist training, awareness campaigns, and a public inauguration event.
1
Formation of the Multidisciplinary Committee
A multidisciplinary committee is formed (LPA, parents, teachers, community leaders) to assess the institution’s capacity (space, resources, staff) for inclusive services and provide recommendations for improvement.
2
Advocacy Campaign Launch
A local campaign is launched to promote inclusion (public awareness, dialogue with the LPA, support for creating the position of psychopedagogue).
3
Setup and Equipment of the CREI
The space is adapted and equipped with ergonomic furniture, didactic & sensory materials, and IT equipment (laptop, printer, TV) needed for personalized interventions.
4
Teacher Training
15 educators and support staff participate in practical workshops on inclusive education, adapted teaching methods, and effective collaboration with parents.
5
Approval and Hiring of a Psychopedagogue
The LPA officially approves the psychopedagogue position, and a specialist is recruited and hired to provide ongoing support to children, parents, and educators.
6
Community Awareness Campaigns
Symbolic actions (e.g., “The Tree of Inclusion”), public events, and online campaigns are organized to promote acceptance and support for children with special needs.
7
Operationalization & Official Inauguration of the CREI
The center becomes operational: the psychopedagogue and trained educators begin daily activities with SEN children. A public inauguration showcases results and strengthens community commitment to inclusion.
What we offer
Operationalization & Official Inauguration of the CREI
A safe and fully equipped space for therapy, play, and learning.
Operationalization & Official Inauguration of the CREI
Psychopedagogical services and personalized interventions for children with SEN.
Operationalization & Official Inauguration of the CREI
Professional training for educators, methodological support, and supervision.
Operationalization & Official Inauguration of the CREI
Workshops and counseling for parents, with easy-to-understand informational materials.
Operationalization & Official Inauguration of the CREI
IT resources & sensory materials that support cognitive and emotional development.
Operationalization & Official Inauguration of the CREI
Awareness campaigns that bring the community together around the values of inclusion.
Areas of involvement
1
Early Inclusive Education
Integrating children with SEN into kindergarten learning activities using adapted methods and sensory materials that respect each child’s pace and needs.
2
Equipped Space & Adapted Resources
Setting up the CREI with ergonomic furniture, IT equipment, and didactic-sensory materials to create a safe, accessible, and stimulating environment for personalized interventions.
3
Specialized Psychopedagogical Support
Assessments, individualized plans, and therapeutic interventions provided by a hired psychopedagogue to support the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children.
4
Professional Development for Staff
Ongoing training for educators and support staff in modern inclusive teaching strategies and empathetic communication.
5
Advocacy and Community Awareness
Campaigns, symbolic actions (“The Tree of Inclusion”), and ongoing dialogue with local authorities (LPA) to strengthen public support, institutionalize the psychopedagogue position, and promote equity values locally.
Beneficiaries
Advocacy and Community Awareness
Children with special educational needs from Crihana Veche, who will have access to a center adapted to their needs.
Advocacy and Community Awareness
Children with special educational needs from Crihana Veche, who will have access to a center adapted to their needs.
Advocacy and Community Awareness
The teaching staff of the “Clopoțelul” Kindergarten, who will develop their competences in inclusive education.
Advocacy and Community Awareness
The Local Public Administration, which will strengthen its capacity to support inclusion.
Advocacy and Community Awareness
The local community, which will be involved in awareness activities and will learn to support inclusion.
Expected results
1 Inclusive Education Resource Center (CREI) created and fully equipped in the kindergarten of Crihana Veche.
1
15+ educators and support staff trained in inclusive education and adapted teaching methods.
2
2 personalized educational programs implemented for children with special educational needs.
3
1 psychopedagogue position approved by the LPA and a qualified specialist hired.
4
1 advocacy plan developed and implemented to support inclusive education.
5
3 official meetings with local authorities organized to promote institutional support.
6
500+ community members reached through brochures, posters, public events, and symbolic actions.
7
1 partnership agreement signed between CRDC and the local administration for long-term support of the CREI.
8
1 community event organized with the participation of parents, children, and local public authorities.
9
Impact and testimonials
Igor Miclauș, Mayor of Crihana Veche
Igor Miclauș, Mayor of Crihana Veche
The inauguration of the Resource Center within the Kindergarten-Crèche marks an important milestone in the development of educational services in our community. This center is a concrete response to the needs of children who require additional support in the learning process, offering specialized resources, counseling, psychopedagogical assistance, and support for both teachers and parents. The CREI thus becomes a key pillar in promoting inclusive education, ensuring equal opportunities for all children. For our community, the Resource Center is more than just a well-equipped space—it is an investment in the future, in equity, and in the values of a modern and inclusive society.
Carolina Blajin, Program Coordinator, East-European Foundation
Carolina Blajin, Program Coordinator, East-European Foundation
All local initiatives supported through this project by the East-European Foundation have demonstrated strong community mobilization. In the case of this project, such mobilization led to the support of local authorities in operationalizing a Resource Center for Inclusive Education within the kindergarten. The CRDC team managed to assess institutional capacities, equip and furnish the space, and most importantly, ensure that children with special educational needs and their families now benefit from a high-quality service and personalized educational support.
Partners and Funders
This program is implemented by the Regional Center for Community Development with the support of:
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